Translation guide
Describes a personality that is more focused on internal thoughts and feelings than on external social interaction. In Japanese, this can be expressed through specific adjectives, descriptive phrases, or by referencing common cultural concepts.
To describe someone who is generally introverted as a personality characteristic.
The most direct and standard translation for 'introverted' as a personality trait. It is a na-adjective.
彼は内向的な性格です。
He has an introverted personality.
私はどちらかというと内向的です。
I'm somewhat introverted, if anything.
Literally 'shy of people', this describes someone who is shy or uncomfortable around strangers. It often overlaps with introversion but focuses on initial social anxiety.
This emphasizes shyness with strangers rather than a general preference for solitude.
彼女は人見知りで、パーティーが苦手です。
She's shy around new people and doesn't like parties.
Means 'quiet' or 'taciturn'. It describes someone who doesn't talk much, which can be a sign of introversion.
彼は口数が少ないけど、優しい人です。
He's a quiet person, but kind.
To express that someone prefers being alone or in small groups rather than socializing.
A natural way to say 'I like being alone'. It directly conveys the introvert's preference without clinical terminology.
私は一人でいるのが好きです。
I like being alone.
Literally 'not sociable'. A straightforward way to describe a lack of interest in socializing.
彼はあまり社交的ではない。
He's not very sociable.
To describe the feeling of being drained by social interaction, a common introvert experience.
Means 'I get tired when I meet people'. It's a common, relatable way to explain introversion.
人と会うとすごく疲れるんです。
I get really tired when I meet people.
A more technical or explanatory phrase: 'socializing consumes my energy'. It's less common in casual speech but precise.
社交でエネルギーを消耗するタイプです。
I'm the type who gets drained by socializing.
To reference the Japanese cultural concept of being reserved or introspective.
Means 'shy' or 'bashful'. It implies a reserved nature, often associated with introversion in Japanese culture.
More about shyness than a preference for solitude. Can be seen as a negative trait in some contexts.
彼は内気で、あまり話さない。
He's shy and doesn't talk much.
Slang term for someone with a gloomy or introverted personality, often contrasted with '陽キャ' (outgoing). Used mainly by younger people.
あの人は陰キャだから、あまり外に出ない。
That person is an introvert, so they don't go out much.
内向的 (naikouteki) is a neutral, psychological term for introversion. 内気 (uchiki) implies shyness or bashfulness and can carry a slightly negative connotation of being withdrawn. Use 内向的 for a factual description of personality; use 内気 when emphasizing shyness.
While 内向的 is correct, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often describe introverted behavior with phrases like 一人でいるのが好き (I like being alone) or 人見知り (shy around people) rather than using the clinical term.